I've been stuck on that word for more than a year. A community without engagement can't reduce crime, create wealth, have great art and culture, and improve the educational attainment of its work force.

Rockford faces all of these challenges, but there are plenty of examples of engaged people in our community. That's the inspiration for the stories we're sharing with you today.

The Register Star is shining a spotlight on 14 people who are doing their part to make the Rockford area a better place.

You might know some of the people we feature today, but you don't know them all. We sought to find "under the radar" difference makers who are likely to have a breakout year in 2014.

Whether they all have a breakout year or not is uncertain. Nor does it matter. What's important is that they are all engaged in their community.

I hope you enjoy reading this as much as we enjoyed writing it.

You'll find the stories linked below, and you can go to rrstar.com/videos to watch 14 people share what's on their minds.